Hi Joanne,
I'm wishing you a speedy recovery as well.
There is a Spinal Disorders Forum here, by the way. Perhaps if you were able to copy and paste your message over there as well, you might find some people who have had similar surgery or other suggestions for you.
Just click on the underlined link ...
Spinal Disorders Forum
There's also
Chronic Pain Forum
take care there,
Lara